Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(51)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(1)

Mark Attanasio remains optimistic about team's chances

Phoenix - Because the Brewers are committing to using inexperienced pitchers in their starting rotation this season, team owner Mark Attanasio acknowledged that expectations for the Brewers from outside are not high. But he said Saturday that is not the case from within.

"We didn't get eliminated until Game No. 159 last year and our best performance was with this group of guys that's here now," said Attanasio. "Our expectations are high.

"I'm excited about the team. We think this team can win; we think this team can contend. So, I'm looking forward to the games starting."

Attanasio said general manager Doug Melvin and his staff are constantly looking for ways to improve the team and will look to make moves if the young pitchers don't pan out as expected. But he said the club felt compelled to give the younger pitchers a chance after they helped the Brewers climb back in the wild-card race over the final two months in 2012.

"If the young guys had not earned the shot, we might have done something different, whether it was signing a free agent or do a trade, or both," said Attanasio.

About Tom Haudricourt

Tom Haudricourt covers the Brewers and Major League Baseball. He was voted Wisconsin Sports Writer of Year for 2011 and 2012 by National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

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